Researching Pollinator Health & Agriculture

Explore our research into the vital role Leafcutter Bees play in pollinating forage crops. Our work supports sustainable agricultural practices by improving pollinator health, habitat, and productivity.

Current Research

  • Status: Ongoing
  • Description: Research on the ecology, health, and management of pollinators other than the honey bee represents an innovative and imperative research direction to ensure the continued production of pollinator-dependent crops. The sources, transmission routes and health effects of alfalfa leafcutter bee viruses have yet to be determined. There are several known viruses that contribute to honey bee mortality but understanding of viruses in other bee species is severely lacking. Little is known about the current distribution of viruses in leafcutting bee populations, and whether they contribute to cocoon losses and subsequently pollination and seed shortfalls. Like any bee managed in large aggregations, the ALB is susceptible to parasite and pathogen pressures, many of which have been understudied, especially in comparison to honey bee diseases. This research project has two main objectives: 1) Determine potential source and transmission routes of known and novel pathogens in commercial ALB operations in Canada and 2) investigate the efficacy of control options for Pteromalus venustus, a damaging parasitiod pest of managed alfalfa leafcutter bees. ·
  • Partners: Alfalfa Seed Commission of Alberta (ASCA), Saskatchewan Alfalfa Seed Producers Development Commission (SASPDC), Manitoba Forage Seed Association (MFSA)
  • Funding: NSERC-ARD
  • Status: Ongoing, led by Northwestern Polytechnic & the NBDC
  • Description: Northern environments contain some of the richest natural resource bases in Canada, but the climate and landscapes present unique challenges for agricultural production. The extended daylight hours necessitate a short but intensive growing season, and the substantial variability in topography, soils, and precipitation means that crops are managed differently than counterparts to the south. Many farmers in Alberta’s North rely on regenerative, reduced input farming systems that promote soil health, biodiversity and sustainability while maintaining profitable production. Progressively improving whole agroecosystems through a restorative approach to farming is the core of regenerative agriculture. Regenerative farming focuses largely on enhancing soil fertility, biodiversity, water use efficiency, and increasing resilience to climate change through practices such as reduced tillage, rotational grazing, and cover cropping. The overarching goal of this research program is to develop a practitioner-driven regenerative agriculture research and extension program to enhance ecosystem health and production in Northern integrated livestock and cropping systems.
  • Partners: Peace Country Beef & Forage (PCBFA), Parkland College, The Montreal Biodiversity Centre (IRBV)
  • Funding: NSERC Mobilize Program

Get in Touch

NWP National Bee Diagnostic Centre

Office: BVE104

Phone: 780-357-7737

Email: NBDC@nwpolytech.ca